The cement industry reported 4.6 per cent growth in sales during 2003 because of ongoing major construction works. Analysts in the sector agreed that the most important job for the cement industry in 2003 was the construction of the Ralco hydroelectric power station in Region VIII, and the Costanera Norte highway work in Santiago. Those works have taken the cement industry to 1999 levels, when the crisis in the construction industry began. In 1999, cement demand dropped 21.5 per cent. During 2000, the sector grew 11.3 per cent, while in 2001 it grew 4.0 per cent.  In 2002, cement sales dropped 1.5 per cent. Projections by the Chilean Construction Chamber forecast a positive performance during 2004 with 3.8 per cent growth for the construction industry, while cement sales could grow between 3.8 per cent and 4.0 per cent. Published under Cement News